Two groups of pasture-fed cattle were sampled at slaughter: 52 animals in Spring 1999, and 60 animals the following Summer. Subcutaneous adipose tissue samples (from the 13th rib region) from the first group of animals were assayed for colour (Minolta values) and carotenoid concentration by HPLC; samples from the second group (from sternum, 13th rib and rump) were additionally analysed for fatty acids. The first group had 81.5 ± 93.01 nmol carotenoids/g adipose tissue; its correlation coefficients with colour were 0.80 and 0.73, for intensity (C) and yellowness (b*), respectively (P<0.05). In group 2, total carotenoid concentration was 237 nmol/g. Correlation coefficients between carotenoid concentration and b* and C were 0.59 and 0.61, respectively (P<0.05). There were no differences in colour among sampling sites. No correlation was found between colour and fatty acid profile (P>0.1). Equations predicting total carotenoid concentrations were y = 348.8 - 4.62L* + 0.16C² (where L* is lightness) and y = 234.55 - 34.34C + 2.31C² for groups 1 and 2, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]